Patrick Tillman

Patrick playing for ASU. (http://myspaceafter.com)

The Webster Dictionary defines a hero as somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown an admirable quality such as selflessness, Intelligence, and even athletic ability. When I read this I could not help but to think of Patrick Tillman. In 1976, Mary and Patrick gave birth to Patrick Tillman in San Jose, California. Patrick later went to the University of Arizona on a football scholarship. Then due to his athletic ability, the Arizona Cardinals drafted him. After a few years in the NFL, he went into the army.

Patrick playing for the Arizona Cardinals. (http://myspaceafter.com/ MySpaceAfter/photos/20090413052247pat_tillman_patriot.jpg)

Even though Patrick Tillman was small for his position of middle linebacker in college, he did not let that stop him. During Patrick’s senior year at the University of Arizona, he won the Pac-10 Defensive player of the year his senior year. When Tillman got to the pros, they had to move him back to a safety because of his size. Learning this new position did not seem to present much of a problem to Tillman his rookie year when he started 10 of the 16 games. Later in 2000, Tillman broke the single season team record for tackles with 144 tackles. Patrick wasn't all muscle though. He happened to be a well-educated man, too.

Patrick took his studies very seriously and strived for excellence in every aspect of his life, including his schoolwork. Then Patrick went to the University of Arizona for marketing and received a GPA of 3.84 through his three and a half years at college. When Patrick got to the NFL, he pursued a Master’s degree in history during the off-season. Patrick enjoyed reading his whole life. His favorite genre of books included religious and historic. He read many religious books even though many of them did not correspond with the religion he believed in. Being well educated helped him make one of the biggest decisions of his life.

Patrick at ASU graduation with his two brothers. (http://thewe.cc/thewei/_/images_2/us_soldier/pat_tillman_two_brothers.jpe)

After he defined himself as an elite player in the league, he showed his selflessness and joined the army with his brother, Kevin, who also had a promising career in professional baseball. In 2002, the Arizona Cardinals offered Patrick a 3 year 3.6 million dollar contract. Instead, Patrick decided to go into the army for a little less than 1100 dollars a month. Patrick showed his most selfless act in Iraq, giving his life for his country.

Patrick Tillman, a true American Hero. (http://widemag.com/images/SCORE/Patrick-Tillman.gif)

Ten Iranian terrorists ambushed Patrick platoon. He lost his life due to friendly fire; Patrick died in his brother's arms. Patrick differs from any other sports heroes I know because, when they were performing at the peaks of their career, Patrick died to protect us all.